1997 Dehlinger estate

[winoweenie]

Found 5 of these orphans in the cellar along with 5 bottles of 96 Goldridge Syrah one of which I'm opening tonite. About as good as American Pinot gets. Lovely mature nose of bacon, earth, tar and red fruits. Silky entry, a solid center and a 4&1/2 lapper finish. Ranks with the best of the Estate Pinot from this super producer. 92/93. 35 on futures. 14.5% alc. WW

[winoweenie]

Had another last nite. Not much to add except it seems the nose is getting more pronounced.WW

[winoweenie]

Openbed another of this beauty yesserday. Nose is really pronounced and the sloral/spicy notes have really intensified. About as long a finish as I've found on a mature Calif Pinot. Can't kick up the scoring any higher. WW

[winoweenie]

Had another last nite to ease the pain of Andy losing at the Open. Dead on TTOIG. Nose has broadened to include some sweet floral notes of crushed roses. Hard to imigaane but the finish has lenthened out and now is a solid-almost-on-the-brink of the incredible 5 lapper. Kick him up to a 93. WW

[winoweenie]

Had to have something to wash the bitter taste of a home loss frum me beloved Suns so opened the last of these beauties. Not much to add except after the second glass I forgot the pain. Good-bye you lovely critter! WW [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb/wink.gif[/img]

[This message has been edited by winoweenie (edited 11-01-2008).]

[winoweenie]

Did the last (I swear they done be enny more) of these yesterday and can say without doubt this baby has morphed into the best Pinot I've ever had the pleezure of!!!! Got so involved in the juice that my baby bella sliders got cold whilst I smelled, sipped, and swirled. Who was the genius that told me that American Pinots wouldn't age? May an infestation of fire ants share his bed on his wedding nite. WW